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Rachel McAdams and Rachel Weisz to star in adaptation of Disobedience

Rachel Weisz is, according to Variety, set to star in an adaptation of Naomi Alderman’s Disobedience.

Her debut novel, which was well received when it was first released in 2006, tells the story of a young Jewish woman who, as a cigarette-smoking, bisexual, wisecracking career girl, definitely stands out in her strict Orthodox family.

When Ronit’s estranged father, a Rabbi in North London’s Hendon, passes away, she is forced to return home to the city’s largest Jewish committee – and wastes no time in ruffling the feathers of all those around her.

But, when she comes face-to-face with her best friend Esti (Rachel McAdams), she is subjected to an emotional upheaval of her own.

Rachel McAdams will play Esti, according to reports

It soon transpires that the two women were childhood sweethearts – and that their feelings for one another – however repressed they may be – have not changed.

But, with Esti now married to Ronit’s cousin (and her father’s successor as Rabbi), it remains to be seen whether their relationship will ever have the chance to flourish.

Speaking to The Guardian about the mixed reaction her book received, Alderman said: "There is apparently one dog-eared copy being passed around the Jewish community of Hendon. I hear that one has made its way to Israel. People come up to me and say ... well, mostly they say, 'I loved your book.' Which is great.

“[But] occasionally at least one person thinks I should never have written it. That writing about a lesbian relationship in the Jewish community 'gives fuel’ to our enemies.”

Margaret Atwood's protégé added: “This kind of thing doesn't happen in our community, and if it does happen, then we shouldn't talk about it, and if we have to talk about it, then we should only talk about it among other Orthodox Jews.'"